Neuropsychological and neurobehavioral functioning in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a review. 2013

Wanda M Snow, and Judy E Anderson, and Lorna S Jakobson
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, P404 Duff Roblin Building, 190 Dysart Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada. wssnow@mymts.net

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic condition affecting predominantly boys that is characterized by fatal muscle weakness. While there is no cure, recent therapeutic advances have extended the lifespan of those with DMD considerably. Although the physiological basis of muscle pathology is well-documented, less is known regarding the cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial functioning of those afflicted. Several lines of evidence point to central nervous system involvement as an organic feature of DMD, challenging our view of the disorder as strictly neuromuscular. This report provides a review of the literature on neuropsychological and neurobehavioral functioning in DMD. Recent research identifying associations with DMD and neuropsychiatric disorders is also discussed. Lastly, the review presents implications of findings related to nonmotor aspects of DMD for improving the quality of life in those affected. While the literature is often contradictory in nature, this review highlights some key findings for consideration by clinicians, educators and parents when developing therapeutic interventions for this population.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007360 Intelligence The ability to learn and to deal with new situations and to deal effectively with tasks involving abstractions.
D003072 Cognition Disorders Disorders characterized by disturbances in mental processes related to learning, thinking, reasoning, and judgment. Overinclusion,Disorder, Cognition,Disorders, Cognition
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D014705 Verbal Behavior Includes both producing and responding to words, either written or spoken. Behavior, Verbal,Behaviors, Verbal,Verbal Behaviors
D020388 Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne An X-linked recessive muscle disease caused by an inability to synthesize DYSTROPHIN, which is involved with maintaining the integrity of the sarcolemma. Muscle fibers undergo a process that features degeneration and regeneration. Clinical manifestations include proximal weakness in the first few years of life, pseudohypertrophy, cardiomyopathy (see MYOCARDIAL DISEASES), and an increased incidence of impaired mentation. Becker muscular dystrophy is a closely related condition featuring a later onset of disease (usually adolescence) and a slowly progressive course. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1415) Becker Muscular Dystrophy,Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,Muscular Dystrophy, Becker,Muscular Dystrophy, Pseudohypertrophic,Becker's Muscular Dystrophy,Cardiomyopathy, Dilated, 3B,Cardiomyopathy, Dilated, X-Linked,Childhood Muscular Dystrophy, Pseudohypertrophic,Childhood Pseudohypertrophic Muscular Dystrophy,Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy,Duchenne-Becker Muscular Dystrophy,Duchenne-Type Progressive Muscular Dystrophy,Muscular Dystrophy Pseudohypertrophic Progressive, Becker Type,Muscular Dystrophy, Becker Type,Muscular Dystrophy, Childhood, Pseudohypertrophic,Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne Type,Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne and Becker Types,Muscular Dystrophy, Pseudohypertrophic Progressive, Becker Type,Muscular Dystrophy, Pseudohypertrophic Progressive, Duchenne Type,Muscular Dystrophy, Pseudohypertrophic, Childhood,Progressive Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne Type,Pseudohypertrophic Childhood Muscular Dystrophy,Pseudohypertrophic Muscular Dystrophy, Childhood,Duchenne Becker Muscular Dystrophy,Duchenne Type Progressive Muscular Dystrophy,Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's,Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne-Becker,Pseudohypertrophic Muscular Dystrophy

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